It was one of Lake Macquarie's toughest games of the season, with Belmont Swansea repeatedly fighting back.

The Roosters led 2-nil going into half time before Belmont Swansea found the back of the net seconds before the siren.

Belmont Swansea then scored an equalising goal as soon as play resumed.

Lake Macquarie regained the lead 3-2, only to see Belmont Swansea equalise again.

With five minutes left on the clock, the Roosters scored the clincher.

Coach Barry Ross said he always expected a hard and physical game, and was forced to make three substitutions due to injuries.

Lake Macquarie striker Sam Walker scored two goals, to take his season tally to 25 from 11 games.

Ross said Walker has great speed and technique, while his teammates do an excellent job of setting him up.

But Ross believes the competition's leading goal scorer hasn't hit his straps yet.

"He's probably missed just as many as he's scored - if he scores one or two a game, he's probably missed three or four opportunities," Ross said. "One of these days a team will be on the end of a really big hiding from him if he converts all his chances."

Ross is quietly confident Walker will increase his goal tally when the Roosters take on Cessnock at Turner Park this Sunday.